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CopyrigKted, 1910 

By A. D. Linn 

Grand Rapids. MicKigan 



/d- 79' i. 



J 



©CI.A259139 



Mr.. 



T TPON receiving tKis book tlie recip- 
^"^ lent Kereby expressly agrees tnat it 
sKall not be sold, loaned or transferred to 
any person, firm or corporation, or otner 
plants operated by tbe aforesaid person, 
firm or corporation, or be used for any 
otber purpose except to assist in carrying 
out tbe conditions of a contract bearing 
tbe same register number, for tbe install- 
ment of a Vapor Process Dry Kiln. 

No book autborized for use unless 
signed by tbe publisber. 



Publisber. 



PREFACE 

This hand book is written with the object of enabling 
every manufacturer to train his employees in the method 
of drying lumber by the Vapor Process, that he may have 
the positive assurance that when the instructions are 
carefully followed, the results will be as positively uni- 
form. The tables and plates are from actual experience. 
They are never exactly reproduced, even under similar 
circumstances, but the results are very uniform. 

The principal elements in the successful working of a 
kiln are heated air and steam vapor. 

The Ventilation is directly opposite to natural atmos- 
pheric conditions ; in other words, cold air will rush into 
a room, if there is an opportunity for the hot air to escape, 
but in this process the cold air is taken into warm flues, 
heated and delivered to the upper portion of the room. 

The amount of warm air supplied is regulated by the 
amount of cold, damp, vitiated air which is being removed 
from the bottom of the kiln by the use of ducts connected 
at the base of the stacks. 

The force with which this circulation is produced de- 
pends upon the expansion of the moisture coming from 
the spray and the lumber, intensified by the use of heat- 
ing pipes in the stacks, which become reservoirs of com- 
pressed hot air by the use of the compression caps or 
dampers. 

Under this system of ventilation it is possible to 
empty the entire cubic contents of air in any specified 
time desired, depending upon the amount of moisture 
contained in the lumber, and the time desired to dry it, 
thus showing that the process of drying is reduced to 
a problem in mathematics. 

This process is not confined to use in new kilns, but 
may be successfully applied in old kilns properly remod- 
eled. 



CONTENTS 

Pages 

Introduction ^ 

Progressive Kiln Photo 5 

CHAPTER 1 

Progressive Kiln Instructions 6-24 

a — Steaming Chamber as Box Kiln 14 

b— Record for 4-4 Oak 16-17 

c — Record for Mixed Lumber 20-21 

d — Record for Green Cypress and Pine 23-24 

CHAPTER 2 

Box Kiln Instructions 25-31 

a — Record for 4-4 Oak, Beech and Mahogany 27 
b— Record for 8-4 Bass, Cottonwood, Poplar. .28-29 
c — Miscellaneous Instructions for operating 

Kiln 20-31 

CHAPTER 3 

Dry Lumber Test Suggestions 32-54 

a — Method of determining percentages 36-37 

b — Report on samples 37-38 

c — Dry Test gauge 43 

d— Shoe Last and Hub Block 48 

CHAPTER 4 
Lloyd's Hygrodeik 55 

CHAPTER 5 

Humidograph 57 

a — Humidity percentage table 

b — Recording thermometer 67 

c — Scales for testmg 69 



INTRODUCTION 

Presenting these Dry Kiln instructions for the dry- 
ing of lumber, in the varied forms of manufacture, which 
the great variety of woods from our forests are producing, 
is no small task. It is a well known fact that the raw ma- 
terial is cut into more than 100 thicknesses from 1" up 
to square timber, which represent the full product of a 
single log. It is also known that in air drying this stock 
from the saw or cutting machine, it is subject to great loss 
not only from contact with the atmosphere, but from 
mould, bluing, sun checking and warping. It has been 
our aim to arrest these destructive elements which de- 
grade the quality of the lumber, and make a great amount 
of extra handling. This in many cases produces great 
losses from shrinkage of valuations, besides requiring a 
vast amount of money being tied up in raw material. 

The object in view was to get a process which would 
be capable of handling the stock direct from the log and 
drying it for immediate use, making it possible to elimin- 
ate the lumber yards at the factories and mills. This 
necessitated the remodeling of a kiln that was equipped 
with Direct Radiation system of heating, requiring 20 to 
30 days to dry 4-4 oak, with highly rarified air. 

The construction of buildings for dry kiln purposes 
varies as greatly as does the material to be dried, and the 
arrangement of the mechanical apparatus is as varied 
as the chemical results. During our experimental work, 
it was found, after much time and mone}' had been spent, 
that humidity was as essential as the heated air. 

When the percentage of humidity was finally worked 
out, to a tabulated system, there was no difftculty in dry- 
ing 4-4 oak in seven days, with the same kiln building, 
by a rearrangement of heating pipes and ventilation. 
When kilns are especially designed for special work, the 
results are even greater; the most phenominal being the 
successful drying of air dried maple shoe last blocks in the 
short time of 23 days, using low pressure exhaust steam 
during working hours only, and no steam on Sundays. 

We invite careful study of the Operating Instructions, 
with accompanying tables, which show the variable con- 
ditions in temperatures and humidities carried. In oper- 
ating kilns equipped with this process, it is only necessary 
to reproduce as nearly as possible the kiln record v/hich 
applies the nearest to the kind of lumber desired to be 
dried. 



CHAPTER I. 

PROGRESSIVE KILN INSTRUCTIONS 

For Drying 1" Hardwood Lumber 

The drying of lumber by the progressive kiln process 
consists of: 

First Exposing the lumber to the direct action of 
steam intermingling with the lumber ; 

Second Gradually displacing the steam with dry 
heat from the heating coil ; 

Third Gradually or progressively moving the 
lumber forward to the unloading end of the 
kiln with the heat growing more intense 
and the humidity growing less as the lum- 
ber approaches the unloading end of the 
kiln. 

Fourth The removing of the damp or vitiated air 
from the bottom of the kiln by a system 
of ventilation flues. 

SETTING BUNKS. To avoid friction and to pro- 
duce easy running cars, set each bunk with the left- 
hand flange of the wheels against the side of the Tee 
rail. This will insure perfect alignment of each, and 
the moment the car is started forward it will equalize 
itself upon each rail. 

PLANK BASE FOR LOAD. Place five 2" x 8" 
planks, or their equivalent, on top of the several 
bunks, as shown in Fig. 1, to provide a substantial 
base on which to load lumber, and if these planks 
become bent in service, always place the crowning 
side up so that the load may bring them back to a 
straight line. This will preserve the plank and 
assist in producing a good flat foundation for carry- 
ing a heavy load. 

PILING STICKS. The piling sticks used should 
be sized to an even thickness, ];';", 7 g", or \)/%"x\V2" 
or 2", and when loads run over 10' high, the l^"x2" 
piling sticks should be used. In placing the piling 
sticks, be careful that they are located over the center 
of each bunk, as in Fig. 2, and also that one 
piling stick is placed between each bunk, and (5ne 



at each end of the load, each stick directly over the 
other, except, when the lower plank bed is shorter 
than the length of the load when the sticks should be 
carried from the bunks upon an incline from the 
perpendicular, as shown in Fig. 2. 

LOADING THE LUMBER ON THE CAR. Place 
the first five courses two-thirds lumber and one-third 
open space to admit the heat to the center of the 
load, gradually closing the spaces until they are 
nearly closed at the top of the load. Pile the loads 
up square at the ends to the full length of the longest 
lumber, no matter how short the lumber comes, al- 
ternating the even ends to each end of the car, as 
shov/n in Fig. 2. When the load is finished put small 
blocks where lumber may have been left out in piling. 
These are readily procured from the cuttings at cut- 
off saw. This form of piling is no more expensive 
than the usual method and insures the lumber com- 
ing out straight, and will pay handsome profits to the 
manufacturer who insists upon it. 




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PLACING THE CARS IN THE KILN. Place test 
sticks on each car. (See Dry Test suggestions, page 
32). See that the inner curtain is down to place 
tightly, before closing the kiln. If possible, put fresh 
cars in the kiln in the morning, spraying with ex- 
haust steam so that the spray may be turned off 
during the night. When lumber enters the kiln it 
is comparatively dry, and must be sprayed strongly 
with steam at a temperature of about 140 deg. Fahr. 
until the hygrodeik shows a relative humidity of 
from 80' , to lOO'. , to complete saturation, or as 
damp as possible without staining the lumber at the 
piling sticks. Close all the outlet dampers and doors 
of the kiln as tightly as possible. The heat on the 
coils being continuous, (the usual temperature rang- 
ing from 140 deg. at the loading end, to 165 deg. at 
the unloading end,) it is necessary to immediately 
turn on the full amount of steam spray, to moisten 
the lumber before it can be made hot by the heat 
from the coils, which will give from 80' , to lOO'v 
humidity. See that the spray valve is set to main- 
tain the volume of steam so that the humidity will 
remain close to 100' , . The temperature on the 
thermometer will show a quick rise, but keep the 
spray on sufficiently to maintain the humidity. Dur- 
ing the second twenty-four hours, the temperature 
will free the moisture from the lumber itself, and this 
will help to keep up the necessary humidity. It is 
essential that the lumber produce as much of this 
humidity as possible ; therefore, this quick high tem- 
perature m.akes it necessary to carry great humidity 
in the steaming chamber. 

THE STEAMING CHAMBER. Never move all 
of the cars forward unless they are cars of lumber 
that will dry in one-half the time of hardwood, and 
only demand 24 hrs. steaming. Thicker stock will 
need a longer period of steaming, this to be in pro- 
portion to the time it takes to dry this stock as com- 
pared with seven day stock (i. e., 2" in 4 days and 
3" in 6 days). 

CAUTION! BEFORE MOVING THE LUMBER 
FROM THE STEAMING CHAMBER. The oper- 
ator should have a Test Gauge Stick on one board in 
every car (see Dry Test Suggestions, pages 32-38), 
to note the expansion in the steaming chamber, as 
he can by this method bring all kinds of lumber 
much closer to a uniform treatment than by any other 
method. 

STARTING THE CARS FORWARD. When the 
car is ready to move forward and enter the main 
body of the kiln, keep it close to the middle curtain, 



11 



allowing it to go forward only as other cars, en- 
tering from day to day, push it forward. Should 
a car that is damp and steaming be sent directly to 
the dry end of the kiln, it would case harden at once. 

10. CARS COMING INTO MAIN KILN. As the cars 
enter the main apartment of the kiln, it is necessary to 
raise the humidity in this apartment to 40 per cent 
or more, at the unloading end. and this should be 
carefully attended to each time cars are sent forward. 
When the kiln is nearly filled and cars are near the 
unloading end, 30 or 40' , humidity should be main- 
tained. 

11. TO KNOW HOW TO SET DAMPERS AT ANY 
TIME. Damper rods B, C and D, see Fig. 3, are 
located at the unloading end of the kiln. Keep these 
dampers closed until the kiln is half full of lumber, 

when damper B should remain closed, C one-quarter 
open and D one-half open. Should the humidity 
become too great at the unloading end, open C. 
Should the humidity drop too low, then reduce the 
openings of the dampers. Damper rod B is operated 
only when the stock is excessively moist. 

12. STACK EQUALIZER. (See Plate XI). The 
draught in the stacks should be controlled by the 
amount of heat in the flues. To operate it to its full- 
est capacity requires steam heating to pipes in the 
stack, and open dampers ; and to retain the humidity, 
the dampers should be partly closed, or the heat of 
the pipes reduced — possibly both. When these are 
both adjusted to the requirements of each kiln, there 
is scarcely any further need of adjusting or opening 
or closing of the dampers. Do not allow the draught 
through the stacks to be strong enough to reduce 
the temperature in the kiln. Keep the equalizers 
hot — a dead stack lets cold air into the kiln and 
checks the lumber. 

13. DUCTS TO STACKS. (See Plate IX). Ducts are 
placed at intervals on the bottom of the iciln to 
remove the acids and vitiated air, and are controlled 
by dampers. After a little experience in setting the 
valves and dampers, the heat in the kiln will regu- 
late the amount of discharge from the stacks, and 
the operator will have complete control. 

14. FRESH AJR INLETS. (See Plate VIII). Fresh 
air flues should be so placed as to provide the neces- 
sary fresh air for renovating the kiln. The operating 
of the kiln being an eliminating or exhaust process, it 
is necessary to allow a sufficient vent to keep the 
stacks constantly drawing from the bottom of the 
kiln. Occasionally when there is an excess of 

12 



humidity in the kiln, the damp air will be ejected 
through the fresh air supply. If this is caused by 
putting in too much steam spray, reduce the open- 
ing of the spray valve. (See Fig. 3, No. 6). If the 
moisture is being expelled from the lumber, open the 
stack dampers in the center of the kiln a trifle more, 
and the stacks will draw this moisture from the bot- 
tom of the kiln. 

15. KILN FILLED. Keep putting in the lumber and 
steam.ing as directed. Keep in mind that the hu- 
midity is what keeps the outside of the lumber soft, 
while the moisture is being drawn from the center 
of the lumber, and allowed to escape. Now, when 
the lumber is soft, if there are plenty of piling sticks 
of uniform thickness, it will straighten out and dry 
straight. Whenever it is possible, allow the lumber 
to cool on the cars 24 hrs. before unloading it. It 
is better and it will pay to do so. 

16. DEAD PILING. Lumber kept in storage should 
always be tested before going to the factory, as 
many times there is great difference between the 
stock taken from the bottom and from the top of 
the pile. 

17. DELAYS. Should the kilns have to be cooled down 
for Sunday, holidays or other causes, be sure and 
increase the sprays of steam on both chambers until 
the humidity is brought back to normal condition 
throughout the kiln and adjust the sprays to keep 
this percentage of humidity. As soon as the moist- 
ure begins to evaporate from the lumber, causing 
a rise in humidity faster than the stacks can carry 
it off, open the dampers as much as possible without 
lowering the temperature. 

18. CARS REMAINING IN THE KILN. When dry 
lumber is accumulating so that the cars cannot be 
removed from the kiln when dry, reduce the temper- 
ature, but retain the percentage of humidity or run 
the kiln during the day only, beginning every morn- 
ing by starting the sprays at both ends of the kiln, 
the same as though the kilns had been opened for 
moving the cars forward. If the kiln is sufficiently 
tight, the humidity may be retained by partly clos- 
ing the dampers, but do not shut off the discharging 
of the foul air entirely, at any time. 

19. THICK STOCK. When cars of thick stock are run 
through the kiln with cars of thinner stock, arrange 
the trucks or transfers so that the thick stock may 
be run out, and allow the thinner stock to be re- 
moved, and then return the thicker stock to the kiln. 
In this manner the thicker stock may be dried with- 

13 



out unloading or making any delay in getting out 
the thinner stock. When there is only an occasional 
car of thick stock, these cars may be loaded with a 
few cars of thinner stock between them so that they 
will not interfere with the daily supply of lumber. 
(See kiln records for further illustrations). 

The kinds of 1" lumber that may be in the steaming 
chamber together and steam 24 hours. 

.Ash, Basswood, Cherry, Elm (grey). Pine and Poplar. 

Kinds requiring 48 hours steaming. 

Beech, Birch, Chestnut, Elm (rock). Maple and Oak. 

For White Maple and White Basswood, see kiln 
record number five. 

Chestnut or Oak should not be placed in the steam- 
ing chamber with light colored woods, as they contain a 
great amount of tanic acid, and this will darken the very 
light woods, which is very damaging when white stock 
is desired. 



STEAMING CHAMBER 

Operated as a Box Kiln 

For a Hurry Up Job of Drying 

When the Drying Chamber is full of lumber of var- 
ious thicknesses, it often retards the work of entering 
cars into the steaming chamber, and often there is great 
need of drying some special stock that can be dried in 
24 or 48 hours. 

Under this method of operating progressive kilns, it 
makes it an easy matter to put this special stock into the 
steaming chamber and operate it as an independent box 
kiln. This method of drying is fully explained in Chapter 
II. 

The accompanying kiln records are designed to show 
as clearly as possible the great variety of work done ; the 
way the valves and dampers are set, with the time, 
showing the temperatures and the percentages of humid- 
ity carried. 

Record No. 1, is for 4-4 Oak 12 months stock, lumber 
piled crosswise of the kiln. The time in the steaming 
chamber and setting of valves and dampers is shown for 
this time. Then the transfer to the drying chamber 
commences and this record is kept independent of the 
steaming chamber to the end of the time of drying the 
stock. 

14 



KILlf RECORD 



Kind of Wood . O/MC 
Thickness. 4- 



Addr 



Age. liMOAOLOEB 

LOAOINO 


END 










UNLOA0IN9 


ENO 




S S J 1 

P : » 1 


>- 
< 

a. 
J) 


o 


1 

a. 
Z 
I 


i. 

t 
* 

i 


i 


i 


3 t- 


5 

Q. 


* 

3 


or 


3 
B 

C 


>- 




Airt. 


2 


F 








80 


80 
















P.M. 


" 


" 


" 


" 


118 


120 


95 














A.M. 


» 


' 




" 


" 


128 


130 


92 














P.M. 


'• 


' 




" 


" 


13fl 


140 


9S 














A.M. 


" 




1 


" 


" 


II 


ti 


n 


i 


1 


* 


l2fl 


145 


50 




cai 


■ 


ad 


/anc 


ed 




















P.M. 








• 


" 


" 


139 


II 


9e 


" 


" 


" 


i;^^ 




55 


A.M. 








» 


" 


" 


140 


142 


93 




" 




la? 


ISO 


50 


P.M. 








• 


" 


" 


fi 


140 


100 




" 


h 


130 


iii2 


52 


A.M. 








' 


" 


" 


133 


135 






* 


F 


lad 


155 


45 


P.M. 




• 




• 


" 


" 


142 


145 


92 




" 


" 


ii 


158 


42 


A.M. 




' 






" 




138 


uc 


5$ 




F 


M 




16(5 


40 


P.M. 








. 


" 


.. 


144 


]45 


9f 




" 


" 


•' 


" 




A.M. 








> 


'• 


" 


143 




95 




" 


1" 


125 


162 


32. 


P.M. 








. 


M 


- 


140 


h;2 


" 




" 


" 


129 


165 


30 














































































































































> 





























Kiln Record No. 1 



15 



The following Recording Thermometer Record shows 
seven day drying of 4-4 oak but by different fire than 
above kiln record. 




The above diagram compared with the foregoing kiln 
record No. 1, shows the drying of 4-4 oak m seven days. 

The lumber was placed in the steaming chamber at 
9-00 A M on Wednesday and remained until Saturday 
noon when it was passed into the drying chamber and re- 
mained until 7 :00 A. M. the following Wednesday. 

(This chart is read from Wednesday down and to the 
right). 



16 





LOAI 


PROaSB 
KILN B 

AJdreas 


SSIVB 
.ECOKD 














Kind .iwcca vVhiTE 0/ 










ThTKr..3a 2" 

A<., 12 MO. 


• ING END 




liNIiOAOINC HMD 




TIME 
TEST 

MADE 




S 


8 




•< 


^3 


en g 

PI 


^ 1 


«7 


iJ.CD. 


< 






i i 


7.30 A.M. 


3 


2 








110 


115 


85 


2 


B-0 


F 


108 


135 


40 


Car cnUv.a ROO 


n 


tt 


n 


n 


117 


120 


90 





C-0 


II 


112 


140 


40 


5.30 P.M. 


n 


11 


n 


n 


120 


122 


92 


It 


p-0 


n 


113 


142 


40 


7 -30 A.M. 


n 


« 


II 


Tl 


125 


125 


100 


« 


R-0 




113 


145 


42 




n 


n 1 


n 


n 


125 


125 


100 


It 


C-0 


It 


113 


145 


42 


5.20 P.M. 





2 


n 


n 


125 


126 


100 


n 


D-0 


It 


118 


145 


42 


7.30 A.M. 


?.* 


n 


n 


n 


112 


115 


83 


2 


B-0 


n 


101 


3.30 


35 


CarPcrwai-d e OC 


n 


It 


rt 


H 


115 


1,18 


90 





C-0 


n 


105 


135 


35 


5.30 P.M. 


n 


It 


n 


II 


12 


125 


100 


It 


D-f 


n 


112 


140 


40 


7.30 A.M. 


n 


n 


n 


n 


1 P5 


1 25 


100 


It 


B-0 


It 


112 


140 


40 




n 


n 


n 


It 


1 P5 


1 25 


1,00 


It 


C-^ 


It 


120 


145 


45 


5.30 p.k:. 





n 


n 


It 


125 


125 


100 


It 


D-i 


R 


120 


145 


45 


7.30 A.M. 


2f 


2i 


n 


n 


^LZ 


115 


83 


1-^ 


B-0 


It 


105 


135 


35 


Cai- U.\.„--dS.O& 


tl 


H 


n 


H 


117 


120 


90 





C-^ 


rt 


109 


140 


35 


5.30 P.M. 


n 


n 


n 


It 


120 


1?? 


92 


II 


D-l 


It 


lis 


l-i? 


40 


7.30 A.L!. 


■"IT 


H 


— IT 


"in 


123 


125 


IQO 


h 


B-0 


It 


120 


145 


45 




n 


n 


n 


It 


127 


;27 


100 


It 




It 


115 


145 


40 


5.30 P.M. 





n 


It 


n 


130 


130 


100 


It 


D-i 


It 


140 


145 


43 


7.50 A.M. 


If 


2i 


II 


It 


115 


120 


85 


2 


B-0 


It 


100 


128 


35 


C,a-)orwdrd S.CO 


-Ttr- 


TI 


— rr 


"Ti- 


120 


122 


92 





C-1^ 




105 


135 


35 


5.30 P.M-. 


n 


n 


n 


lt 


125 


125 


^00 


n 


D-f 


il 


109 


140 


35 


7.30 A.M. 


-^ 


h 


11 


It 


125 


125 


100 


tl 


B-0 


H 


115 


145 


40 




H 


H 


« 


It 


1,55 


125 


100 


11 


c-i 


II 


115 


145 


40 


5.30 P.M. 





n 


II 


It 


127 


130 


93 


tl 


D-i 


H 


120 


145 


45 


7.30 A.?.:. 


?, 


2^- 


II 


n 


117 


120 


90 


1* 


B-0 


It 


U5 


X33 


38 


Cai-C^i-wardeog 


n 


n 


Tt 


H 


120 


123 


92 





C--i 


« 


112 


1.40 


40 


5.30 P.M. 


n 


h 


« 


"|125 


125 


100 


tt 


D-l 


"III2 


140 


40 



COITTIIIUE AS ABOVE MAKING TEST OCCASIONALLY UNTIL 
IN HARMONY WITH DRY TEST. 



EXPLANATORY. 
Represents Valve or Damper Shut Off 
C " Cracked Valve 

F " Full Open Valve or Damper 

i^, 1,2, 3, 4, Represents No. of turns valves are open 
T»a»f»F, " ftiaoont Dampers are Open. 

Kiln Record No. 2 



Record No. 2, is for 8-4 Oak, showing a complete 
record of the steaming and drying, progressively, the cars 
going in and coming out regularly with readings taken 
at 7:30 A. M. and P. M. and at noon, and the cars ad- 
vanced every two days so that each car is steamed for 
four days before going into the drying chamber, where 
the same record is continued under the head of "Unload- 
ing End." 



17 



KILN 


RECORD. 


C.-R.V.^, 


fwWdKKS 


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u n 

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a. 




- o/toiNi; End. 






Un uo^di Nft End 




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1. 




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a. 

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• 


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>> 

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a 


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9/^7- A M 


























i.oOP M 


2 


2 








115 


120 


83 





i 


i 


120 


140 


54 


3/2& 9.0OA M 
4.^ OOP M 


2^ 


n 


It 
tt 


n 
It 


100 

T10 


110 
1?0 


70 
83 





n 


K 
It 


115 


140 

1 Tifi 


45 
50 


)/29 9.30ALI 
3.30P M 


1^ 


n 
n 


tt 
tt 


n 


125 
1 30 


130 

1 ,~ri 


85 

R4 





It 

tt 


11 
tt 


110 

1 ?,Q 


134 
1^5 


43 
2 5 


)/50 9=30A M 
< . 30P M 


2 

7, 


n 
11 


It 
n 


It 
n 


115 


120 

1 30 


87 
RTi 






II 
n 


II 


115 

1 ■p.a 


150 
1 55 


33 
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LO/1 lO.OOA M 
P M 


2 


n 


It 


tt 


115 


120 


83 





n 


r 


115 


150 


33 


LO/2 9.00A M 
P M 


2 


n 






115 


120 


83 





It 


It 


115 


150 


33 


LO/4 9.30A lil 
4.30P U 


3 


It 
n 






130 

1 ?r? 


135 

1:^0 


84 
P. 5 







It 


n 
It 


125 

1 ?,o 


160 

1 55 


35 


LO/o 10. OCA M 
4.30P M 


2 
3 


tt 


( 


130 
125 


135 
1 30 


84 
S5 






11 
It 


tt 
tt 


130 
1?!5 


165 
IwO 


36 

3r? 


LO/6 9. 30 A M 
3.30P M 


3 


It 

tt 


1 

1 


155 
155 


160 
L60 


87 
87 


11 
It 


n 
ti 


130 
135 


leo 

160 


42 
42 


.0/7 9.30A M 

4. OOP M 


3 

3 


n 
n 






140 

1 r>ri 


145 

1 nO 


83 







It 
It 


It 
It 


125 
1 ?fi 


155 
1 fiO 


30 
36 


uO/8 8 . 30A M 

4. SOP l: 


3 
3 


tt 
It 






150 
140 


160 
145 


■ 75 
83 





It 
n 


ti 


130 

1 ?,r-i 


160 
IfiO 


42 

35 


.0/9 9.00A U 
P.M 


3 


• n 




, 


130 


L35 


84 





n 


It 


125 


160 


35 


.0/110.0. OOA M 
4.00P.M 


3 
5 


n 
n 






130 

i:,5 


135 
130 


84 

85 


n 

It 


It 

It 


125 

no 


160 
155 


35 

42 



Above record dried 2" 18 mos.oak and ash In 12 days. Temp 
and Hum. running very low as shov.-n by table. 



2" Oak 
Bone dry 
Frcrn Kiln 
Bone dry 
After 2 mos . 



7.4" 66 .7 grams 

7.2" 2.77;^ shrink & evap 58.4" 14.21^ 
7.25" 57.3" 



7.02" .77- 



54,17 



v;e measured same piece aeain, and find on 
return to normal conditJon, it stands 1.] expansion, and 
absorption has reached 57.3 gra^j . showing evaportaticn of 
Ivimber vfhen taken frcn^. kiln was O.K., but exjianoicn bei ftg 
raised to 1.1 shov/s lumber was a little too dry \^4len re- 
moved from kiln. 

Ash 9.9" 97. grama 

Bene dry _5liJ1 2^ shrink & evap , 86.8 " 

Dry Ash 9.84" 94 .1 " 

Bone Dry 9.75"9^ " " " 89. " 



9 .2fo 



4.8,", 



This has alr.o been expanded just beyond the 1.2 and ab- 
sorbed moisture to -94 grams, shcv.ir.tj; it is as near our 
table as ^vossible. This we consider rrl^st excellant resi^ilts 
for time of drying, temperature and humidity carried. 

Kiln Record No. 3 



Record No. 3 is for 8-4 Oak showing the resuhs when 
the Dry Test suggestions are followed. 



18 









Kl LN 


RECOR D. 






<D 


Hour car 
entei's kiln 


END PtUIMG- 


Sent 
Forward. 




Cdr 

lumbers 

Tracks 
5-6 


(/I 


Kind or 
Lumber. 


+-> 




Jan 














1 ; 


J6 


4.30 


B29 




1" 


Pop 


27 


7.30 




tt 


H 




830 


n 


Ches. 


. 


a. 30 


2 ; 


^7 


7.30 


834 




n 


Pop. 


28 


8.30 




" 1 


1.00 




83o 


n 


Ches. 




1.30 


? i 


28 


8.30 




836 


tt 


Mapl. 


28 


5.00 




ft 


1.30 


837 




on 


Pine 


29 


9.00 




ti 


5.00 




838 


9 


n 




2.00 


4 , 


?9 


9.00 


839 




1* 


Ches. 


30 


9.00 




n 


2.00 




840 


tt 


W.A. 


2^1 


4.30 


5 


50 


9.00 


841 




n 


Mah. 


tt 


H 




tt 


2.00 
















n 


4.,?;n 














6 


31 


9.00 


Sun 


day 












n 


4. SO 
















Feb 
















7 


1 


9.30 
















M 


4.30 


843 




1" 


Ches. 


2/1 


4.30 




n 


n 




844 


tt 


tt 


rt 


tt 


8 


2 


8.30 






tt 








9 


3 ; 


.0.30 


846 




tt 


Pop. 


2/4 


7.30 




H 


tf 




349 


n 


fi 


If 


tt 


10 


4 


7.30 


850 




n 


Ches. 


2/5 


9.30 




H 


« 




8 51 


tt i 


n 


tt 


tt 




5 


9,30 




854 


n 


Mapl. 


2/e 


8.30 




n 


TT 


855 




T in 
■^9 


Pop 


n 


tt 




n 






8 56 


1« 


Ches, 


2/8 


9.00 




s 




857 




1" 


TT 








8 


9.00 


Sun 


(iay 




n 








H 


n 




860 


1« 


Pop. 










It 


8 61 




1" 


n 








9 

















When the change of cars is 
made In the morning, end the 
kiln- is tight enoug}i, the 



Kiln Record No. 4 





Lo/\ 


DING End. 






UnloaoimgEnd. 


Q 


w 

•iH 


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u 







< 

p 


< 

<L) 

i- 


:i 
CD 


6 


d 


— < 
Q 
P 




A 


X 




























2/1 


lo30 


2 


F 





4 


150 


100 


1 


i 

4 


1 


140 


55 


^r^ 


4.30 


n 


n 


tt 


H 


tt 


tt 


n 


«. 


it 


150 


60 


2/3 


.8.30 


." 


n 


tt 


n 


tt 


I! 


It 




It 


145 


55 


"w 


« 


« 


h , 


VI 


H 


160 


tt 


tt 




It 


155 


50 


2/4 


8.00 


n 


n 


tt 


ir 


150 


It 


n 




tt 


145 


5^ 


n 


ft 


ti 


n 


tt 


n 


140 


80 






n 


140 


45 


2/5 


9.30 


n 


n 


tt 


H 


150 


100 






II 


145 


43 


n 


n 


n 


n 


tt 


tt 


It 








tt 


145 


40 


2/6 


10.00 


n 


rt 


tt 


m-' 


140 


- 






t 


140 


45 


tt 




'n 


tt 


tt 


h 


160 


100 






« 


140 


45 






1 


fl 


n 


n 


150 


It 






tt 


150 


40 









It 


n 


It 


14-0 


It 






It 


1 50 


40 






1 


n 


f 


It 


140 


90 






n 


150 


37 









".J 


tt 


tt 


150 


80 






n 


145 


40 














■ 





















F 





i 


140 


80 





i 


4 


158 


42 


2/3 


9,.Q0 
























n 


n 








- 




















1 


F 





i 

4 


165 


100 





i 


i 


165 


40 






F 


Tt 


tt 


tt 


160 


lOQ 


2 


It 


tt 


It 


45 






2 


tt. 


tt 


It 


1 65 


100 





It 


tt 


155 


42 






F 


1! 


tt 


tt 


ft 


It 


II 


tt 


tl 


165 


40 









tt 


tt 


n 


n 


It 


it 


tt 


II 


160 


45 






F 


tt 


n 


It 


160 


too 


If 


II 


tt 


1 50 


40 









tt 


n 


n 


100 


100 


u 


ft 


tt 


1 55 


4n 









tt 


tt 


ft 


160 


9Q 


II 


ft 


tt 


J 60 


55 






Q 


tt 


tt 


tt 


1 60 


160 


It 


It 


M 


125 


45 









tt 


tt 


tt 


100 


100 


tf 


It 


n 


125 


45 









tt 


tt 


tt 


lEO 




fi 


tl 


ft 


155 


35 









tt 


ti 


tt 


150 


100 


ff 


n 


ft 


185 


40 









If 


n 


tt 


140 


80 


w 


u 


ft 


166 


30 



epr^ may be used day time 
only, the cars being re&:iy to 
go forward the following morning 



Record No. 4 is for mixed lumber, piled lengthwise of 
the kiln, two tracks side. by side, the steaming chamber ar- 
ranged for one car on each track. This record is still 
more complete, showing the date of starting, the kind 
and thickness of lumber and the date of the finishing at 
the unloading end. The tracks and cars being numbered 
throughout the battery, it makes it easy to keep the dry- 
ing record of any desired car. 

PROGRESSIVE 
KILN RECORD 



Kjnd*rVyb«a WMITCBAMA w I 

ThickmM. .. . 4/4 

Ag» tMCAovm 



AMr*t4- 







LOADING INO 










UNLOADING END 




DflTn 


TIME 

TEST 

IS 

MO or 


ft 


O 




^1 

A 




5 


3 
3 






B.C.D 


X 

n 


5 

«0 

1 




Si 


A\i s . 6 


A.v 


? 


? 


i- 


F 


140 


L45 


fift 


Q 


4 


F 


i??n 


170 


33 






fi 




n 


It 


140 


1 A5 


ft? 


« 


n 


n 


1P4 


180 


33 




P,M 


« 


? 


It 


II 


14n 


T 4K 


aa 


n 


n 


* 


lj)n 


Ifln 


3P 


7 


A.^' 


Ti 


n 


fl 


« 


14.8 


1 fiO 


75 


n 


a 


n 


1 ?i5 


1 75 


.-^.-^ 






S 


« 


fl 


II 


14r> 


loO 


75 


n 


« 


n 


]_-3;n 


170 


33 




P.M 


II 


« 


n 


n 


1 ^n 


i4.n 


75 


n 


n 


n 


1 ?n 


■»«^5 


?;.'^ 


Q 


A.M 


n 


n 


n 


n 


1 :^.^ 


1 4..^ 


75 


« 


II 


« 


1 P.R 


1 f^5 


3S 






• 


■ 


II 


« 


l?o 


145 


55 


n 


n 


II 


XZh 


1 70 


26 




PiK 


B 


n 


n 


n 


1-^n 


14^ 


75 


n 


n 


n 


ipn 


1-^5 


?fl 


in 


A.M 


n 


n 


n 


n 


1 ?if) 


1 fiO 


R5 


n 


n 


n 


li^n 


170 


3S 






1 


n 


n 


n 


1?if7 


14Pi 


75 


II 


n 


n 


1 r!5 


lfi5 


33 




V.V. 


1 


n 


It 


II 


1 ?ifi 


14fi 


75 


n 


n 


a 


1 PO 


1 fiO 


sn 


n 


A.W 




n 


n 


n 


1 ,"^0 


145 


75 


n 


n 


n 


1 :^o 


1 70 


33 


Rn»:invf 


'Rnnfl 


» 


n 


II 


n 


T ?in 


140 


75 


« 


n 


n 


1 ?5 


1 fi5 


.■^:^ 




■p^v. 


n 


n 


n 


n 


1 ?in 


1 40 


75 


n 


n 


n 


1 ;^5 


1 n5 


7,?k 


' 1? 


A.T/ 


n 


n 


n 


n 


l?;n 


14n 


7 5 


n 


a 


n 


1 ?0 


100 


30 






li 


« 


n 


II 


i^a 


1?5 


S- 


M 


n 


n 


115 


150 


35 




P-M 


1* 


n 


n 


n 


1 Rn 


1 ."in 


7r-i 


n 


n 


n 


1 RO 


1 50 


30 


1 ?, 


A.M 


n 


n 


n 


n 


1 ."^n 


140 


75 


n 


n 


n 


1 p.n 


1 ri5 


P.fi 


Rftry.pv* 




n 


a 


n 


n 


1 :^o 


140 


75 


n 


n 


n 


1 ?0 


1 -"5 


9ft 




P T/ 


n 


n 


n 


n 


1 p.p. 


1 .'^.'^ 


75 


n 


n 


n 


11 5 


1 50 


Pft 

















































































































































































































































































EXPLAITATORY • 

Represents Shut Valve 
C " Cracke^ Valve 

F " Full Open Valve 

^,1,2,3,4 " Number^of Turns Valves are Open 

7»E»§,F " Amount Danpers eui'e Open. 

Bass to cone through In five days. 
Kaple to come through In seven days. 

Kiln Kecord Mr. 5 

Record No. 5. This record runs low temperature 
and humidity, while the circulation of air is much in 
excess of Records Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4. 

22 



The dr>ing of air dried Cypress 2" thick, by this 
process, may be accomplished in seven days, with a kiln 
constructed for drying one year old lumber. 

1" Green Fine direct from the log, may be dried in 
forty-eight to seventy-two hours. 

Green Oak may be dried in ten days, direct from the 
log. 

Hickory squares 16 m_os. old, 2"x2", in seventeen 
days; 3"x3", in twenty-three days. 



V MONOav 




PINE AND CYPRESS— DIRECT FROM THE SAW 
These woods are very different in fiber and gums, but 
are dried under the same general treatment and in the 
same kilns, by the changing of the steam supply, the tem- 
perature, humidity and ventilation. 

The time in which one inch Fine and Cypress can be 
dried varies in proportion to the temperature carried. 
The higher the temperature is carried, the more rapid 
becomes the evaporation, and in order to discharge the 
great volume of water contained in these woods it be- 
comes necessary to increase the proportions of the inlets 
and outlets, for this class of kilns. For example, in the 
drying of hardwoods about 12 months old the percentage 

23 



of moisture runs between 15', and 35', of their weight, 
while green soft woods run from 45', to 65', moisture 
or about two pounds to the square foot for 1" lumber and 
this volume must be disposed of in one-fourth the time 
allowed for hardwoods. 

A kiln 104' long, 21' 6" wide by 15' high from 
ground to ceiling, equals 33,540 cu. ft. 14 stacks with 
80 square inches of outlet equal 8 square feet, and if a 
velocity of 500 feet per minute can be produced in these 
stacks, there will be an exit of 4,000 cubic feet per minute ; 
allowing one-third of the cubic contents to be lumber, this 
deducted from the 33,540 cubic feet, leaves 23,360 cubic 
feet ; discharging 4,000 cubic feet per minute, this would 
change the air in the kiln every 5^ minutes. 

Again, reversing the proposition, 40,000 feet of 1" 
pine lumber containing 2 lbs. of water per square foot, 
or 80,000 lbs., there being 7,000 grains to the lb., gives 
560,000,000 grains of water to be evaporated and dis- 
charged from the kiln, allowing 57 grains to the cubic 
foot; discharging 4,000 cubic feet per minute, will dis- 
charge 228,000 grains per minute. Dividing 560,000,000 
by 228,000 will give 2,456 minutes or 41 hours, to remove 
the moisture from the kiln, and produce dry lumber. 

With these facts in mind it is an easy matter to under- 
stand why the heat and circulation must be so intense. 
When this class of lumber is being dried in a Progressive 
Kiln, with the vapor system, the valves and dampers are 
operated practically the same as in the previous instruc- 
tions for Progressive Kilns and if the Box Kilns are in 
use the operation is as shown in the Box Kiln instruc- 
tions, (See Plate VII), but of much greater intensity and 
shorter duration, finishing the spraying or steaming in 
about 8 hours. (See Box Kiln Plate VII), Then the 
steam begins to come from the lumber and is kept under 
compression for about 6 hours, when the dampers are 
opened up to full capacity and the moisture is drawn off 
as rapidly as possible, varying from 48 hours to 96 hours, 
depending upon the temperature carried and the amount 
of water in the green lumber. With these general re- 
marks and a careful study of foregoing records and in- 
structions it makes the drying of soft green lumber a very 
safe proposition. 

This kiln chart from recording thermometer, shows 
the time for drying 1%" Cypress sreen from the saw in 
80 hours. 

To be read the same as the diagram on page 15, be- 
ginning at Friday and ending at Monday. 



24 



CHAPTER II. 
BOX KILN INSTRUCTIONS 

1. The drying of lumber by the box kiln process con- 
sists of: 

First Exposing the lumber to the direct action of 
steam intermingling with the lumber ; 

Second Gradually displacing the steam with dry 
heat from the heating coil ; 

Third Removing the damp or vitiated air from the 
bottom of the kiln by a system of ventila- 
tion. 

2. PLACING THE LUMBER IN THE KILNS. Great 
care should be taken to see that there is a free space 
of not less than 6" between the lumber and the side 
of the kiln. The spaces between the boards in the 
lower courses of lumber should be from 6" to 8" in 
width, graduating to 1" as the pile approaches the 
top. The last four or five courses at the top should 
not have more than 1" between the edges of the 
boards. Lumber piled in this manner allows for the 
thorough circulation of the heat and moisture 
through the pile, and equalizes the heat through the 
entire load. Arrange Test Gauge Sticks as per our 
Dry Test Suggestions! (See Chapter 3.) 

3. STARTING THE KILN. After placing the lumber 
in the kiln as described above, close the damp air 
dampers and doors as tightly as possible. The fresh 
air dampers should remain partly open all of the time, 
but not enough to remove pressure from the kiln. 
Turn on the steam spray three or four turns of the 
valve, according to the pressure, and leave it from y^ 
to 3 hrs., in order to fill the kiln with moisture. At the 
same time turn the steam on in the coil sufficiently 
strong to blow out the condensation. Then reduce 
the opening of the coil valve, to keep the 
coil warm, being careful that the rise of tempera- 
ture is as gradual as possible. Now, the humidity 
will soon be brought to 80' , or 90' , and the tempera- 
ture to 140 or 150 deg. This temperature can be 
quickly reached; sometimes in two or four hrs. After 
this time it will rise more slowly, and may require 
more heat from the coil and the steam spray, but do 
not try to force the heat for 48 hrs., at which time 
the temperature may be 165 or 170 deg. F., but it 

25 



should come gradually. At 43 hrs. the temperature 
should be gradually rising to 170 deg. The amount of 
spray should now be gradually reduced, and if the 
temperature and humidity will continue without de- 
creasing, it is apparent that the moisture is coming 
from the lumber sufficiently to produce the desired 
humidity. As the temperature increases, the humid- 
ity should increase, for the heat causes the moisture 
to come from the lumber. When the moisture coming 
from the lumber is 90 to 100 per cent., allow it to re- 
main so for 24 hrs. (See page 55). Then draw the 
dampers in the stacks one-fourth open. This will re- 
move the air from the bottom of the kiln. Notice the 
moisture this time, as the hygrodeik will show the 
moisture gradually disappearing, but the humidity 
should not be allowed to drop below 60' - for the fifth 
day, while the temperature may be 165 to 170 deg. 

5. TIME TO MAKE TEST. On the fourth or fifth 
day, draw a test piece from the kiln through the open- 
ing left for the hygrodeik, and if the shrinkage test 
shows Ys" in 12", it will indicate that in 24 hours 
or 48 hours the lumber will contain 4'< to 5', 
moisture. (See Dry Test Suggestions, Chapter 3). 
When this condition of the lumber is reached, shut 
off the coil, open up the dam.pers to the stacks and 
allow the kiln to cool, keeping the steam on the 
equalizers in the stack, so that the humidity which 
comes from the lumber may be drawn out of the kiln. 
It is desirable to keep the lumber on slicks until it is 
cool, to avoid possible warping or twisting. 

6. DRYING THICK STOCK. For drying thicker and 
greener stock, follow the same process, allowing 2" 
stock twice the time in the steaming and 3" stock 
three times the steaming that would be allowed for 
1", being careful that the lime for raising the temper- 
ature is extended in proportion to the thickness of the 
stock. Fourteen days should be consumed for 2" and 
twenty-one days for 3" stock for complete drying, 
keeping the humidity as near 100' , as possible, with- 
out staining the lumber, during the four or six days 
of steaming. 

The summary of the above for 1" hardwood is as fol- 
lows: The first 48 hrs. is consumed in getting the 
moisture to be self-produced by the heat from the 
spray and the coil, the hygrodeik registering 150 deg. 
on the dry bulb and not less than 90 or 100', humid- 
ity. 

The following tables are records kept during the 
operating of kilns, and should be closely follov.^ed. 
Fick out the table showing the stock to be dried, or 

26 



the one nearest to what you want, and proceed on 
low temperature table first. As the operator becomes 
familiar with what the valves and dampers do, he will 
soon be able to run higher temperatures. 
Tables No. 1, 2 and 3 show the thickness and kinds of 
lumber that may be dried by each, (the temperature 
of the dry bulb being shown with the percentage of 
humidity). (See Hygrodeik Instructions, Chapters 
4 and 5). 

Tables No. 4 and 5 show the time required for oak 
particularly, and the time and amount of the changes 
which are made with the valves and dampers. They 
also show dry bulb readings and percentages of 
humidity, morning and evening of each day. 
No. 1. Kiln Record for drying various kinds and thick- 
nesses of lumber. 4-4 Oak, Beech, Maple, African 
Mahogany, Ash and Hickory. H for Humidity. 
T for Temperature. 



Days 


1 
T-H 




2 
T-H 


3 
T-H 


4 
T-H 


A. M. 


60-50 




130-90 


130-90 


150-80 


Noon 


120-90 




140-90 


140-80 


160-80 


P. M. 


120-90 




140-90 


150-80 


160-80 


Days 


5 
T-H 




6 
T-H 


7 
T-H 


8 
T-H 


A. M. 


150-80 




150-60 


150-50 


150-40 


Noon 


160-70 




160-60 


160-40 


150-35 


P. M. 


160-70 




160-50 


150-40 


150-35 


No. 2. 


Kiln Record 4-4 Gum, Cottonwood, Popl 


ar. Pine 




and Mexican 


Mahogany. 






Days 


1 2 
T-H T-H 


3 
T-H 


4 
T-H 


5 
T-H 




60-60 130-90 


150-80 


150-50 


150-40 


Noon 


130-99 140-80 


160-70 


150-40 


150-35 


P. M. 


120-99 150-80 


160-70 


160-40 


150-35 



To dry White Maple and Basswood and keep them 
white, keep the temperature 10 deg. below and the humid- 
ity 20V( lower than shown in table No. 2 for the first 
four days, cool down the 5th day. 

No. 3. Kiln Record 8-4 Oak, Birch, Maple, Hickory, Ash, 
African Mahogany. 



Days 


1 & 2 


3 &4 


4 & 6 


7 &8 




T-H 


T-H 


T-H 


T-H 


A. M. 


60-60 


130-95 


130-95 


140-80 


Noon 


120-90 


140-95 


140-95 


150-80 


P. M. 


120-95 


140-95 


150-95 


160-80 


Days 


9 & 10 




11 & 12 


13 & 14 




T-H 




T-H 


T-H 


A. M. 


140-80 




150-60 


150-40 


Noon 


150-75 




150-55 


150-35 


P. M. 


160-70 




150-45 


145-30 



27 



Begin to cool off on the 14th day, and leave the lumber 
24 to 48 hrs. on the piling sticks. For 8-4 Bass, Poplar. 
Cottonwood, Pine, Mahogany, run same way as 4-4 Hard- 
wood, if necessary extend two days. 

No. 4. Kiln Record 4-4, 12 month Oak. 



.5 "^ a o n 

H w U Q 



Steam turned on at 7:00 a. m. First reading taken 
at 9 :00 o' clock. 

A. M. 9.00 4 150 90-100 

Let temperature go as high as spray will take it. 



P. 


M. 


5.00 


3 











190 


90 


A. 


M. 


8.30 


2 











185 


90 




Start to 


open damp air 












P. 


M. 


5.00 


1 





K 





180 


90 


A. 


M. 
Start to 


8.00 
open coil 


/2 


2 


/2 





180 


90 


P. 


M. 


4.30 


C 


4 


/2 





175 


90 


A. 


M. 


8.30 


c 


6 


/2 





175 


85 


P. 


M. 


5.00 


c 


F 


/2 





175 


90 


A. 


M. 


7.30 


c 


F 


F 





170 


70 


P. 


M. 


5.30 


c 


F 


F 


^ 


170 


60 




Start to 


open fresh air 












A. 


M. 
Shut off 


8.30 
spray. 


o 


F 


F 


V^ 


165 


50 


P. 


M. 


4.30 


o 


F 


F 


/2 


165 


40 


A. 


M. 
Damper 


8.30 
open. 


o 


F 


F 


F 


165 


30 


P. 


M. 


5.30 


o 


F 


F 


F 


170 


20 


A. 


M. 


7.30 


o 


O 


F 


F 


170 


18 


P. 


M. 


5.00 


o 


O 


F 


F 


120 


18 



1" Maple requires five days for drying, the steam 
spray being used lightly with 80' , humidity for 24 hours ; 
then humidity gradually lowered to 20', in 5 days. 1" 
Birch takes 6 days, and should be sprayed for 36 hours 
with 80' , humidity. 

No. 5 Box Kiln Record. 18 month 2^/^" Plain Oak. 
12 months ly^." Birch. See plate III, test piece 1. 

Explanation of Following Table 
O represents damper or valve shut off. 
C represents cracked valve. 
F represents full open. 

Yi, 1, 2, 3, 4, number turns valves are open. 
Va, Vxs Va, F- Arrit., dampers are opened. ; 

28 





■a 
o 

V 


>> 

s 

a 




< 

o. 

a 

D 


'< 


>. 

Q 
If 


c •- 


1 Noon 




3 











190 


90-100 


P. M. 


5:30 


• 4 











190 


90-100 


2 A. M. 


8:00 


4 











190 


90-100 


P. M. 


5:00 


4 











195 


90-100 


3 A.M. 


7:30 


3 











195 


90-100 


P.M. 


5:30 


3 











195 


90-100 


4 A.M. 


7:30 


3 











195 


90-100 


P.M. 


5:30 


3 











190 


90-100 


5 P.M. 


7:30 


2 


1 








190 


90-100 


P.M. 


5:30 


1 


2 








185 


90-100 


6 A. M. 


7:00 


1 


2 


M 





185 


90-100 


P.M. 


5:30 


1 


4 


M 





185 


90-100 


7 A.M. 


7:00 


I , ', 


F 


K 





180 


90-100 


P.M. 


5:00 


'4 


F 


'A 





175 


90-100 


8 A.M. 


7:00 


C 


F 


'A 





170 


90-100 


P.M. 


5:00 


C 


F 


/2 





170 


90-100 


9 A.M. 


7:00 


c 


F 


'A 





170 


90-100 


P.M. 


5:00 


c 


F 


Va 





170 


90-100 


10 A. M. 


7:00 


c 


F 


F 





170 


90-100 


P. M. 


5:00 


c 


F 


F 





165 


90-100 


11 A.M. 


7:00 


c 


F 


F 


'4 


170 


85 


P.M. 


5:00 


c 


F 


F 


.'4 


170 


80 


12 A.M. 


7:00 


c 


F 


F 


] / 


170 


75 


P.M. 


5:00 


o 


F 


F 


/2 


170 


70 


13 A. M. 


7:00 


o 


F 


F 


/2 


170 


60 


P. M. 


5:00 


o 


F 


F 


^4 


170 


50 


14 A. M. 


7:00 


o 


F 


F 


F 


170 


40 


P. M. 


5:00 


o 


F 


F 


F 


170 


30 


15 A. M. 


7:00 


o 


F 


F 


F 


170 


20 


P.M. 


5:00 


o 


F 


F 


F 


170 


20 


16 A. M. 


7:00 


o 


F 


F 


F 


170 


19 


P.M. 


5:00 


o 


F 


F 


F 


170 


18 


17 A. M. 


7:00 


o 


F 


F 


F 


170 


18 


P.M. 


5:00 


o 


F 


F 


F 


170 


18 


18 A. M. 


7:00 


o 


O 


F 


F 


150 


18 


P. M. 


5:00 


o 


O 


F 


F 


145 


15 


19 A. M. 


7:00 


o 


O 


F 


F 


120 


25 


P.M. 




o 













Let Temperature go as high as it will, due to spray 
only. 

Start to open damp air stack the sixth day. 

Spray off 12th day, shut off coil one day before lumber 
is taken out, let air pass through ventilation to cool off 
kilns. 2^" Oak should be dry. It may not be possible 
to obtain these exact conditions of temperature and humi- 
dity, but they are the ones to be tried for. ly^' Beech 
requires 13 days, and is sprayed strongly three days and 
then gradually reduced. 

29 



MISCELLANEOUS INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPER- 
ATING KILNS 
Fresh Air. 

1. Under what conditions should fresh air dampers be 
opened? Closed? 

Ans. The kiln will not take in cold air through the 
flues until the lumber ceases to produce all 
the moisture that the stack can carry away. 
When the inlet is lower than the tracks, they 
can always be open. 
WET END. The cold air will go in as long as the 
spray is being condensed and stops when the lumber 
becomes moist and hot, producing a comparison. 
DRY END. When the lumber is not producing 
moisture at the dry end then the cold air will flow in 
and increase the moisture. 

2. What results will be obtained if open? 

Ans. The kiln will only draw the amount of air 
necessary to carry off the moisture when 
lumber is dry, but worked as a Pressure 
Kiln, it is fairly balanced. 

DAMP AIR 

3. Under what conditions should damp air dampers be 
opened or closed? 

OPENED. Sufficient to draw off humidity without 
reducing the temperature. 

CLOSED. Close for holding the heat to dry, dur- 
ing the night, without steam. 

4. When should stacks be smothered? 

Ans. When it is noticed that the lumber is not 

producing sufficient moisture to make the 

necessary pressure in the kiln to force the 

humidity between the boards, as they are 
piled on the cars. 

5. What should be done if Temperature is high and 
Humidity high at the dry end of the kilns? 

Ans. Open up the dampers on all the stacks 

7. What should be done if Temperature is high and 
Humidity low in sweating chamber? 

Ans. Smother the stacks or turn on spray. 

8. What should be done if lumber is case hardened? 

Ans. If severely case hardened, unload and steam 
and dry again, but if slightly so, and there is 
sufficient time to allow it, raise the humidity 
to 80' < or 90', in the dry end, over night, 
and allow the kiln to dry down to normal 
before removing lumber. 

30 



9. How should green lumber be handled from the mill? 

Ans. Same as dry lumber, a small amount of 
spray being necessary. The required humid- 
ity is easily raised — the dampers in the 
steaming chamber could be ^ opened in 
about 14 hours, or after standing over night 
with a good compression. 

10. How should the kiln be adjusted to stand idle or at 
rest for several days? 

Ans. Smother half the stacks, turn off the steam 
and let it all die down together. 



SI 



CHAPTER III. 
DRY LUMBER TEST SUGGESTIONS 

The manufacturing and handling of lumber for the 
different uses to which it is designed, bring us into a 
very wide field and through many variable conditions. 

Woods of different shapes and thicknesses are very 
differently affected by the same treatment. In the case of 
our native woods, for instance, summer cut lumber and 
winter cut lumber show distinct tendencies in drying, and 
the same is true in less degree of heart wood as contrasted 
with sap wood. The medullary rays further complicate 
the drying problem and the promiscuous use and combin- 
ation, in glued up stock, of all these variable conditions 
require the close attention of the manufacturer and the 
operator. This variation of hard and soft stock, even in 
the same quality of lumber compels each establishment 
to become a law unto itself, and we can offer only our 
suggestions for a general harmony in the matter of lum- 
ber test, by measure and weight. 

Plain oak, quartered oak and mahogany require dif- 
ferent treatments when properly handled, but in the aver- 
age drying process these different kinds of wood are all 
placed in the same kiln and practically treated alike. 
Hence the difficulty in knowing just when the stock is 
ready for use. Therefore, we offer the following system 
for making proper test of shrinkage and evaporation by 
weight, that each manufacturer may use in his particular 
business, to adjust the shrinkage to the requirements of 
his own manufacture, and to specify what is meant by the 
following terms: Shipping Dry, Factory Dry, Bone Dry 
and Dust Dry. By the following method of testing 
a very positive percentage of shrinkage and evaporation 
may be easily ascertained by the use of the "Gauge 
Test." 

METHOD OF OBTAINING TEST PIECES. In 
each and every car there should be placed one or two 
boards in such a manner that they can be removed at any 
time, so that a test piece can be cut therefrom. Procedure 
for obtaining this test piece is as follows: Remove a board 
from the car and cut a piece 1' long from the center, 
(thereby getting away from the effects of drying at 
the end). From this piece cut a strip 3,^", full 
width of the board. This will be known as the 
test piece. This should be carefully measured 

sa 



and weighed as follows : Draw a straight line across 
the face at the middle of this piece. This insures 
measurements being taken at the same place at all times. 
A rule divided into tenths should be used as we want 
to get the measurements to decimals to simplify when 
reducing to percentages. (See page 69). Each tenth should 
be divided into tenths. Hence if we had a test 
piece that measured tYz" and one-half of the next tenth 
space it would be written thus: 6.55, above the line at 
the left hand end of the piece, and the weight in grams, 
above the line 2" from the right hand end. After measur- 
ing and weighing carefully, place the test piece in a tem- 
perature of 200 deg. (th'» best method of obtaining this is 
to place the test piece on an iron plate laid on the top of 
the engine cylinder or hot caul box), leaving it at this 
temperature for 30 minutes or more to bring to bone dry, 
which is the base from which we work out our percent- 
ages. Now again measure and weigh, and place results 
under previous figures and you will see that there has 
been both shrinkage and evaporation. By subtracting 
and dividing the remainder by the subtrahend you will 
get the percentage of shrinkage and moisture, above bone 
dry, which is equivalent to the amount of moisture in the 
lumber at the time the test was taken. (See page 34). 

SHIPPING DRY. To determine when lumber is 
shipping dry, obtain a test piece, but do not weigh or 
measure. Bring it to bone dry and then replace the test 
piece on the board from which it was cut. If there has 
been a shrinkage equivalent to ^" to Y^" in 12" it is safe 
to call this shipping dry, when it is understood that the 
shrinkage of most of our native woods green from the 
log, runs from 3^" to \y^" in 12". 

FACTORY DRY. Procure test piece and reduce re- 
sults to percentage. For the average factory the shrink- 
age will be about ^ of \' < to 1.25', and the evaporation 
from 3 to 5', . To prove this and find the prevailing con- 
ditions of lumber in your factory, make tests from each 
floor and department, and you will soon know the condi- 
tion i. e. (the amount of shrinkage and evaporation) the 
lumber should show when coming from the kiln, to be 
factory dry. So far as we have been able to learn, the pre- 
vious percentages are as near general instructions as can 
be given, but your own factory department tests must 
establish prevailing conditions at your plant, as these 
conditions will vary, greatly, with woods and locations. 
We would advise that you bring the lumber from the kiln 
slightly drier than the percentages established by your 
factory tests so that it will absorb moisture from the air 
during the progress of manufacture, thereby bringing 
your lumber to a normal condition without straining or 
warping. 

33 



BONE DRY is generally understood to be stock 
dried down to no shrinkage, and no evaporation, and 
should be dead piled in dry storage for at least ten days 
before using and if it is to be left in this storage for any 
length of time, say more than three months, your storage 
must be free from excessive moisture. When ready to 
use this stock, tests should be made from top, middle and 
bottom of the pile until you know how thoroughly the 
dry storage is doing its work. These tests might show 
that the bottom of the pile was carrying from 6' , to 10' , 
of moisture and this would necessitate a warming up in 
hot storage before the lumber was machined beyond the 
cut-off saw. 

ABSOLUTELY DRY OR DUST DRY is stock 
that has been subjected to an extension of time and in- 
tensity of heat. This test is made by taking a 1 ft. block 
cut from the test board, but cut in the center, length- 
wise of th^ grain instead of cross-wise as before. After 
a few strokes of a plane to remove the marks of the saw, 
the next few strokes choke the shavings in the mouth of 
the plane until a handful is produced. If when these 
shavings are rubbed together in the hand they do not wad 
up, but turn to chips and dust, the stock is considered 
absolutely dry or dust dry and must be dead piled before 
using. 

As a summary of this general description, we offer the 
following memorandum, using 1" oak direct from the 
kiln to convey the idea of the proportion of drying and 
the classification of the different kinds of drying and 
what it is that produces the distinctive types. 

Time in Kiln ShrinkaKe Shown by Test Piece 

Shipping dry, 4 to 6 days; Y^" to y^" in 12". 
Factory dry, 6 to 8 days; y^" in 12" ready to use. 
Bone dry, 8 to 10 days ; no shrinkage, return to storage 
until y^"m 12" can be obtained. 

Dust test, 10 to 14 days; no shrinkage, goes to storage 
to become normal in atmosphere, to obtain J/g" in 12" 
expansion. 

The following is a memoranda of two tests which were 
made to prove the changes due to atmospheric conditions. 
The first test was made on 1" pine green from the log. 

Green width . . 11.2' Green weight in grams 80 

Bone dry .... 10.35" Bone dry weight " 46.2 

.85-8.21% " 33.8-73% 

Evaporation 

Six months later (this piece having remained in the 
normal factory atmosphere of 60' ; humidity and a tem- 
perature of 75 deg.) we find an expansion and evaporation 
as follows : 

34 



Normal Width . . 10.50 Absorption in grams 50 

Bone Dry .... 10.35 Bone Dry " 46.2 

.15^=1'' Expansion 3.8— 8.4^c 

The second test was made from a piece of 2" basswood 
which was never in a dry kiln, but had been in a building 
over 50 years. This was tested, as above, when removed 
from the building, with the following results : 

Width 6.15' Weight in grams . 41.7 

Bone Dry Width . . 5.05" Bone dry " 39 

1.10" = 1.6% 2.7-7'/ 

Showing that there must be in the neighborhood of 
I'/i shrinkage and from 5'/, to 8'a evaporation above the 
bone dry test in the lumber when coming from the kiln 
to be at rest in the normal atmospheric conditions in the 
factory. 

The following tests were made from samples gathered 
from a wide range of territory, dried by different pro- 
cesses and types of kilns. We do not know the exact 
number of days required to dry or the time since they 
were dried, but we offer these as samples of what we find 
in the different factories and processes of manufacture. 
No. 1 is O. K., No. 2 shows case hardening by the excess 
of evaporation over the percentage of shrinkage. No. 3 
shows that the evaporation is O. K., but to get the proper- 
shrinkage, this should have remained in the kiln at least 
24 hours more. 

No. 1 1" Oak 4.65 "=2.1 W Evaporation 14.2=9.2% as used as inter- 
4.55" 13.2 ior finish. 

No. 2 1" Oak 6.43" =1.2 % Evaporation 23 =9.5''/ as used as inter- 
6.34"=Bone dry 21 ior finish. 

No. 3 1" Oak 8.1 "=3.26% Evaporation 31 =8. '>; 
7.85" 28.7 

No. 4 1" Oak 9.75"= .72% Slightly case 36.5=5. % furniture or cab- 
9.68" hardened 34.5 inet work. 

No. 5 1" Oak 6.63"= .75'/. Too dry for 39 =2.63% 
6.68" immediate 38 

use, should 

remain in dry storage, shrinkage to scant. 
No. 6 1" Oak 5.85"=2.27% Shrinkage 24 =4.3 % 
5.72" dry down 23 

nearly 1% 

No. 7 1" Oak 12.8 "=1.1 % all right 62 =3.33% 
12.65" 60 

No. 8 1" Pop. 7.18"= .7 % This will 27 =6. % Clock Work 
9.98" expand IS 25.5 



No. 9 2"W.wood7.18" = 1.4 % O.K. 
7.08" 


43 =6.1 % 
40.5 


No. 10 2"W.Ash7.72"=1.3 % 0. K. 
7.62" 


50.08=4.3% 
48 



35 



The following shrinkage and evaporation percentages 
were obtained from test pieces taken from the cars at the 
unloading end of the kiln, and being in harmony with the 
conditions of their process of manufacture are accepted 
as dry stock and go direct to the machine room. The 
Sy^" bass resawed into thin lumber without warping, also 
the 2" elm, which we consider proof sufficient to accept 
it as the normal condition of the factory. 



3%" bass shrinkage .76'/ 

2" elm shrinkage 1.47'/^ 

1^" bass shrinkage .86' v 

1%" bass shrinkage .60', 

1%" sugar pine shrinkage .90', 

1%" maple shrinkage 1.10', 

iy>" maple shrinkage .95', 

1%" maple shrinkage .95', 

Memoranda showing expansion and absorption in 24 
hours by measure and weight of the test piece. 

TESTS 



evaporation 4 % 

evaporation 5.5% 

evaporation 3.27,' 

evaporation 3 '/, 

evaporation 5 % 

evaporation 5 % 

evaporation 5 % 

evaporation 4.5*^ 



'; Birch 10 days in kiln 10.35' 

10.25' 
24 hours later 10.4 ' 


= .97% 




31.75g. 

30.8 
32. 


= .3% Evapora 
tion 


; Birch 10 days in kiln 5.3 ' 


= 1.9 % 




21.9 g. 


=4.2 '/r 


5.2 ' 
24 hours later 5.3 






21. 
22. 




t P. Oak 8 days in kiln 8. ' 


=1.27''; 


Shrink 


■ 19.4 g. 


=4.8% 


7.9 ' 

24 hours later 8. ' 




age 


18.5 g. 

19.6 g. 





That a uniform method for figuring the percentage of 
shrinkage and evaporation may be established, the fol- 
lowing examples are worked out in full, No. 1 showing 
the width of the board and the shrinkage to bone dry ; 
No. 2 showing the weight in grams and weight of evap- 
oration. 

No. 1, from dry kiln 1" oak. 
]" Oak, 7.98" wide 
Bone Dry 7.88", subtrahend. 



7.88). 100000(. 0126 
788 



This answer being in decimals 

2120 it must now be divided by 100 to 

1576 make the reading as a percentage 

Thus, .0126 divided by 100 equals 

5440 1.26', shrinkage. Use the same 

4728 method in testing expansion, us- 

ing the bone dry dimensions as 

712 the subtrahend. 



No. 2, the above piece of 1" oak. 
Weighed 45.5 grams. 
Bone Dry 43.5 grams. 



43.5)2.00000(.0459 Read as 4.597o 
1 740 



2600 
2175 

4250 For ease of figuring the remain- 

3915 der would be added and read 

1.27 7r shrinkage, and 4.6% evap- 

235 oration. 



REPORT ON SAMPLES 

Gentlemen: 

We are in receipt of yours of the 5th, also the samples 
of the lumber you have dried. We have made tests of the 
samples with the following results : 

2" Mahogany 6.26" Evaporation 36.0 grs. 

Bone Dry 6.25 = .16^^ 35.0 =-2.25/^ 

2 Qr. Oak 4.85" Evaporation 39.2 grs. 

Bone Dry 4.82 = .6 '/c 37.9 =3.5 % 

1" Qr. Oak 5.80" Evaporation 18.0 grs. 

Bone Dry 6.85 = .7 % 17.3 =4. % 

Test shows the samples are too dry for immediate use. 

We are returning to you under separate cover, pieces 
of the samples with the figures placed on them so that you 
can see our method of testing lumber by measure and 
weight. The usual percentage allowed is 1.25', shrink- 
age and 4' r to 6', evaporation. In other words if you 
dry a board to bone dry and then allow it to stand in 
normal atmosphere for a time it will expand 1.25' r of 
its width and absorb from 4' < to 6'; of its weight, moist- 
ure from the air. 

The quick way to test lumber is by the sliver test. 
Take a board that you wish to test and cut it off near the 
center and then cut a piece off of the fresh cut end, say 
3" long. From this 3" piece cut a piece cross grain about 
y%" length of grain. Place this on the steam chest of the 
the engine or hot steam pipe and let it remain about 20 
or 30 minutes. After this time, place the sliver on the 
piece that it came off of. If this does not show any 
shrinkage the lumber is bone dry. Now let the two 
pieces remain in the normal atmosphere for 24 hours and 
then replace the sliver on the 3" piece and note how 
much wider the sliver is than the block. This will show 

37 



you where the board will be when it has absorbed the 
normal atmosphere. Should the sliver after a few hours 
fail to come back to the width of the 3" block, the differ- 
ence between them will show just how much the board 
lacks of being dry. 

You will note that the samples all show that they 
were below normal when received and were drier when 
they came from the kiln, showing the necessity of allow- 
ing the lumber to stand a considerable length of time be- 
fore being "worked" in order to avoid trouble with your 
glue joints. We speak of this for the reason that it is 
possible to have the lumber too dry when working so that 
the ends of the lumber will absorb moisture faster than 
the center, causing them to expand and split either the 
joint or the lumber itself. It is our desire to gather in- 
formation from all quarters and so far our experience is, 
that there is as much, if not more, trouble from over dry- 
ing than there is from not having the lumber dry enough. 
We will be pleased to receive samples from you at any 
time as it is our desire to keep in touch with our patrons 
so as to be able to render any and all the assistance poss- 
ible. Thanking you we are, 

Yours very truly. 



38 



E 

Q 
E 

^ of the 

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J^ :ce cut 

-I . . " lum- 



c 



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hen it 
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during 
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THE DRY TEST GAUGE. 

See Plates I and II. 

This is a gauge (Fig. 1) that enables one to predeter- 
mine the shrinkage of the lumber and to know when it 
is dry. Also, with gauge stick applied, the different 
changes of the lumber during the process can be noted. 

To avoid confusion in making test pieces, it is fitting 
here to call attention to the fact that it is necessary for 
each firm to make several tests, and establish a percentage 
for their own requirements and location. 

It is only possible for us to offer suggestions along 
this line, that a uniform method of testing may be estab- 
lished. While percentages will be variable according to 
location, percentages will also vary v/ith different kinds of 
lumber and the thoroughness with which the lumber has 
been steamed. If the steaming was insufficient to remove 
the acids, then the test piece will show very nearly the 
same percentage as the green test piece from the yard, 
which was dried in the caul box or on the hot plate. 

This piece does not go through the process of elimina- 
tion, as in the Vapor process. It still contains the acids, 
and when dried down to bone dry will show a greater 
percentage of shrinkage than the test piece taken from 
the same board after having been dried by the Vapor 
process. 

To predetermine the distance from the end of the 
GAUGE STICK to the proper place for cutting the 
shoulder for shrinkage, use the Bone Dry test piece cut 
from the lumber before it enters the kiln, using 1" lum- 
ber as standard. Then add to each different width the 
following amount : 

6" wide lumber, add iV " to the bone dry test. 
8" wide lumber, add yk" to the bone dry' test. 
10" wide lumber, add five-thir,ty-seconds of an inch to 
the bone dry test. 

12" wide lumber, add two-tenths of an inch to the 
bone dry test. 

Gauge test plate No. 1, Fig. 1, shows gauge stick 
applied to board as it comes from the yard, and Fig. 2 
shows the shrinkage when removed from the hot caul 
box and brought down to bone dry. 

Fig. 6 shows expansion beyond gauge stick during 
the Vapor process period. Now this expansion is neces- 
sary on stock from the yard in order to soften up the 
lumber on the outside so that it may dry thoroughly 
through and through. 

It is a well known fact that the dryer the lumber is 

43 



the greater the tendency to drink in the humidity of the 
atmosphere. The fact has been estabHshed by many and 
varied tests that 1.25 , shrinkage above bone dry is a 
very safe percentage for drying lumber. The evaporation 
in the steam process and the shrinkage in the drying 
process can be readily noted from the start to the finish. 

As soon as the test gauge shows shrinkages down to 
the notch, a test from the board should be made. 

Fig. 3 shows the test piece as taken from board after 
it has gone through the dry kiln and shows that the 
lumber has shrunk from 10 7-10" down to 10 4-10". 

Now the piece shown in Fig. 3 when being tested in 
hot caul box is brought down to bone dry as shown in 
Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows 10.25" making a 1.46" shrink- 
age and an evaporation of 5',. This is about the aver- 
age that the lumber would show coming from the kiln, to 
produce stock that would remain at rest in Grand Rapids, 
Mich. 

Fig. 5 gauge stick shows shrinkage of the lumber 
down to the notch or as shown in Fig. 3 and ready to be 
removed from the kiln. This is not always uniform with 
the evaporation and may require another 24 hours to reach 
the four or five per cent evaporation. Should the operator 
find that his factory test of stock in process of manufact- 
ure requires a greater or less percentage of shrinkage 
and evaporation, he should make the gauge stick to cor- 
respond, but in all cases use the bone dry figures for the 
base of expansion and evaporation. 

As further proof that tests should be made to find the 
condition the lumber should be in at your factory to come 
to normal condition and to be at rest, we show Plates 
III and IV, cuts of samples. 

No. 1 shows 2^" white oak stock dried in 18 days. 
This stock shows less than 1', shrinkage and 4.4' r 
evaporation, and being plain oak sawed, it holds its full 
size and does not indicate case hardening. 

No. 2 represents 2" plain sawed oak and shows excess- 
ive hardening, but is not honey-combed. It is thoroughtly 
browned inside from the action of the retained acic". 

No. 3 represents quarter sawed oak and is a fine speci- 
men of drying. 

No. 4 represents the end of the same board and 
matches No. 3 on these exposed faces, and would show 
exactly the same size, but No. 4 has never been in the dry 
kiln and was Ya," larger than No. 3 when No. 3 was re- 
moved from the kiln. After three years' exposure to the 
atmosphere in an office. No. 4 is much narrower then No. 
3, and also thinner. Now it appears that the acids re- 

44 




i < 




p?-: 














M 
















dj. 



ft 





; ! ! ! 



~8 



9 



Plate III 




") 



■^ 



(M 






12 ^^' 


' .'. ..■ ; - 




maining in the air dried lumber, such as in No. 4, still 
continue to consume the fiber, shrinking it down smaller 
and smaller as time passes, proving that these acids 
should be removed from the lumber during the drying 
process. This, it will be noticed, is working in harmony 
with the difference in the shrinkage between our previous 
test of lumber directly from the yard to the hot plate and 
the test from the Vapor process lumber when dried on 
the hot plate. (See Fig. 2, page 39). 

No. 5 represents another extreme of drying lumber 
without humidity, and shows one-inch quarter sawed oak 
shrunk down to ^" thick, and very hard to manufacture. 

No. 6 representing a test of 2" gum and shows that 
the outside was case hardened while the center was only 
half dry. This lumber would not have shrunk to the 
size of the center piece, no matter how long it was in the 
kiln under the old process, without steam saturation. 

No. 7 represents a test piece nearly dry, but still show- 
ing case hardening, the center shrunk down below the 
outside. 

No. 8 represents a test on 2" oak. This is in good con- 
dition. 

No. 9 represents 2" elm. While the whole plank was 
slightly cupped, the stock was beautifully dried by the 
steam process through and through, without case harden- 
ing. 

No. 10 represents 2" gum still better dried so that it 
would split up into thin pieces without warping. These 
tests will show very clearly why the evaporation tests 
should be made, and when the operator becomes familiar 
with his kiln and his lumber, these sample tests will con- 
vey the idea of good and bad drying to such an extent that 
it will not be necessary, in ordinary drying, to make the 
same dry test on every car load of similar stock following. 

No. 11 represents a piece of 2" quarter sawed oak, 
showing 1.26'; shrinkage and 4.6' ; evaporation, without 
the slightest sign of case hardening. 

No. 12 represents a 2^^" piece of quartered oak dried 
by the old process that shrunk down to V/s", and is case 
hardened. 

No. 13 represents a test piece from 4^" squares of 
oak, and when this piece was exposed to the atmosphere 
it showed a wet center, as indicated by the black line. 
When exposed to the atmosphere a check was made as 
shown in the cut. This proves that honey-combing in 
lumber is produced by the outside being case hardened to 
such an extent that construction in the center can not pull 
the sides together as shown in No. 5. This also is proved 
by the thick end of No. 5. 

47 



No. 14 represents a test piece from the 3" square oak, 
with a heart in the corner, making it quarter sawed on the 
line 4.35" and plain sawed on the line 4.25". It will be 
noticed that the extreme difference between 4.35 and 4.15 
which is bone dry test, is 5' , , showing the reason why it 
is so difficult to dry squares and have them remain square. 
The quarter sawed shrinks less than ^ the plain sawed. 
This proves another fact, that in making gauge sticks for 
quarter sawed lumber the allowance will be one-half the 
amount shown on plates Nos. 1 and 2 on gauge test. 

No. 15 represents a cutting from green elm block, 8" 
in diameter, cut direct from the log and dried by vapor. 

No. 16 represents a cutting from green beech block, 
8" in diameter, cut direct from the log and dried as No. 
15. 

No. 17 represents a cutting from green maple block, 9" 
in diameter, cut direct from the log and dried as 15-16. 

No. 18 represents a cutting from green white oak block 
10" in diameter, cut direct from the log and dried as 15, 
16, 17. 

No. 19 shows a cross cut piece, Ys" length of grain, 
cut from No. 6 before it was ripped. This curls into the 
form of the letter "S," showing the disposition of gum 
lumber to get off from the straight line. 

No. 20 shows the Humidograph as used while taking 
a reading for the percentage of humidity in the kiln. 

No. 21 shows a rubber bottle which is used for filling 
the tall glass bottle which furnishes the water for cooling 
the wet bulb. See Humidograph, on page 56. 



SHOE LAST BLOCKS AND HUB BLOCKS. 

Among the articles manufactured from wood, the shoe 
last and the wagon hub rank as the most difficult to air 
dry in storage sheds. Therefore there must be some arti- 
ficial means of drying the blocks suitable for manufactur- 
ing into the finished articles. The principal difficulty in 
drying hubs is the tendency for the ends and sides to 
check, on account of the great amount of surface on the 
outside, or circumference of the block, as compared with 
the center. This is relieved somewhat by the customary 
practice of boring a hole in the center, but even then the 
blocks check very badly in the open air. Now the shoe 
last block is taken from the log around and free from the 
center of the log and split into size suitable for the ease 
of last desired. After being roughened out to form this 
block, then it becomes a problem in drying, as it then has 
a large heavy center, while either end is much smaller. 

48 



The problem now is to keep the small ends from 
checking because of over drying, and the middle from 
checking on the outside while the inside is still damp 
and moist. These difficulties have been overcome and the 
time of drying greatly reduced, as shown by the Kiln 
Record. 








Plate V 



Photographs of different stages of finish, also the 
method of testing for shrinkage and evaporation is shown 
by the following cuts: 




DRieO ml EXHAUST 
2.3 ddys.^STCAnOHLr. 

Vs. _ 



Plate VI 







00 



CO 



No. 22 represents a block that was dried in 23 days. 

No. 23 represents a square end formed on the toe with 
a piece cut therefrom ^" length of grain. This is thor- 
oughly dried on a hot plate to test the shrinkage. 

No. 24 represents a block partly shaped to the finished 
form. 

No. 25 represents a last fully formed as it comes from 
the lathe. 

No. 26 represents a section cut from the center of a 
rough block. As a test piece notice that it is not dry. 
See percentages, and form of the openings. 

No. 2 7represents a section from the same block, but 
is on the quarter cut of the loi;. 

No. 28 represents stock that has been overdried. No- 
tice the percentages of contraction. 

No. 29 represents stock that has been overdried. No- 
tice the percentages. 

No. 30 represents still another dry section, showing 
percentages. When these percentages are established as 
correct for each different factory, then it is possible to 
weigh rough block before going into the kiln, and it 
should be placed where it can be removed at the time for 
testing. Weigh and deduct from first weight and in this 
manner the percentage of moisture remaining in the 
block is readily determined. Thus it is possible at all 
stages of the drying process to know just the amount of 
moisture that has gone into the block during the steaming 
and what percentage still remains above the desired per- 
centage which has been previously ascertained by the 
Section Tests of Measure and Weight. The exact condi- 
tion of the blocks can then be obtained by weight and 
measurement after exposure in the kiln, and reference to 
the examples given on pages 36-37. 

Nos. 31 and 32 show section from a last, 1" thick, with 
the ^" tongue. There is no preceptable variation in the 
length. 

Nos. 33 and 34 are from the same block, sections of 
the tongue cut ^" thick, these also show no change. 

No. 31 and 34 are sawed on the quarter, while Nos. 32 
and 33 are sawed plain, the two showing no difference in 
shrinkage after being aclimated to the atmospheric con- 
ditions. 

No. 35 shows a piece of 4 x 14 mahogany. 

No. 36 shows a piece of 8-4 quarter oak as was taken 
from the yard. 

No. 37 shows a piece of the same plank after drying. 
Note the dimensions. 

52 



No. 38 shows a piece of "glued up" top, which was, at 
the time of gluing, the same width as the moulding on end 
is long. 

No. 39 shows the effect of air drying on round timber, 
compare with Plate IV. 

Box Kiln Record for the foregoing cuts of Shoe Last 
Blocks, Dried by the use of exhaust steam during working 
hours only. Time 23 days. Allowed to cool down 4 days 
more before opening kiln. 




Plate 8 



.53 





E 


a 


o 

u 


P 


u. 


01 


O 


(V, 


A. M. 


5.00 


1 




F 


^ 


105 


120 


60 


P. M. 


8.00 


1 




F 


H 


110 


120 


70 


A. M. 


















P. M. 


2.00 


1 




F 


K 


125 


130 


90 


A. M. 


















P. M. 


5.00 


1 




F 


v^ 


120 


120 


100 


A. M. 


8.00 


1 




F 


^ 


100 


100 


100 


P. M. 


















A. M. 


















P. M. 


5.00 


% 


v^ 


F 


y^ 


110 


120 


70 


A. M. 


8.00 


/2 


V^ 


F 


% 


115 


130 


60 


P. M. 


5.00 





2 


F 


% 


110 


120 


70 


A. M. 


8.00 





2 


F 


Va 


110 


120 


70 


Noon 




1 


2 


F 


% 


110 


120 


70 


Noon 







2 


F 


% 


110 


120 


70 


A. M. 


8.00 





2 


F 


% 


105 


110 


60 


P. M. 


7.00 





2 


F 


% 


110 


120 


70 


A. M. 


8.00 





2 


F 


% 


110 


120 


70 


P. M. 


7.00 





2 


F 


% 


110 


120 


70 


A. M. 


8.00 





2 


F 


Ya 


110 


120 


70 


P. M. 


7.00 





2 


F 


% 


115 


120 


90 


A. M. 


8.00 





2 


F 


% 


114 


120 


80 


P. M. 


7.00 





2 


F 


Ya 


120 


130 


70 


A. M. 


8.00 





2 


F 


Ya 


120 


130 


70 


P. M. 









F 


Ya 


110 


120 


70 


A. M. 


8.00 







F 


Ya 


115 


120 


80 


P. M. 









F 


Ya 


95 


100 


60 


A. M. 









F 


Ya 


100 


110 


70 


P. M. 









F 


Ya 


110 


130 


50 


A. M. 


8.00 





2 


F 


Ya 


115 


120 


60 


P. M. 







2 


F 


Ya 


115 


120 


80 


A. M. 


8.00 





2 


F 


Ya 


100. 


.120. 


.45 


P. M. 







2 


F 


Ya 


94 


120 


37 


A. M. 







2 


F 


Ya 


.98 


120 


45 


P. M. 


















A. M. 










F 


Ya 


85 


115 


45 


P. M. 


















A. M. 




. 





F 


Ya 


.85 


115 


45 


P. M. 









F 


Ya 


85 


115 


45 


A. M. 










F 


Ya 


.95 


110 


45 


P. M. 


















A. M. 










F 


Ya 


90 


110 


45 


P. M. 









F 


Ya 


.95 


100 


45 



Box 
xl2" Ion 
blocks. 



Kiln filled with air dried Maple blocks, 4" x 5" 
g and operated as above produced perfectly dried 



54 



CHAPTER IV 

DIRECTIONS 
FOR READING LLOYD'S HYGRODEIK 




Hygrodeik 

Catch the reading of the wet bulb first, and with this in 
mind quickly catch the reading of the dry bulb. Swing 
the arm towards the wet bulb, and set the sliding pointer 
to the degree reading on the wet bulb. Then swing the 
arm to the right until it intersects the lines running with 
a downward curve from the reading on the dry bulb 
scale, from the point of intersection. Notice the end of 
the swinging bar passes along the lower set of figures. 
This scale represents the humidity in percentages. 

Should the reading of the wet bulb thermometer be 
120 degrees and that of the dry bulb be 140 degrees, the 
index hand will indicate relative humidity 53',, when 
the pointer rests on the intersecting lines of 120 and 140 
degrees. 

DEW POINT is 100',, or FULL CAPACITY OF 
AIR. 

The curved column of figures represents the amount 
of water in grains contained in a cubic foot of air at the 
different temperatures. This is the full carrying capacity 
of the air. and is termed the Dew Point. That is if the 
Wet Bulb shows 140 degrees, and the Dry bulb 140 de- 
grees, this would read 100', humidity, and carrying 57 
grains to the cubic foot of air. 

55 



^ 140 




HumidoKraph 
58 



CHAPTER V 

HUMIDOGRAPH 

Instructions for Operating, 

The HUMIDOGRAPH is a wet and dry bulb ther- 
mometer, the wet bulb being connected with a water 
bottle. 

The HUMIDOGRAPH is a self registering instru- 
ment, especially designed for getting percentages of hu- 
midity, and it makes it possible to get the readings of the 
inside of the kiln at any point desired. The instrument is 
composed of two registering removable thermometers or 
bulbs, and is so constructed that it registers the degree of 
heat on one bulb, and the other bulb is arranged for reg- 
istering humidity, by being inserted into a wick attached 
to the bottle containing water in which one end of its 
wick is immersed. 

To operate this instrument, it is only necessary to re- 
move the thermometer from the stand, and take it be- 
tween the thumb and fore finger, and give it a sharp flirt 
with the wrist, which will throw the mercury a few de- 
grees below the supposed temperature of the kiln. The 
instrument being very sensitive, it must not be shaken 
severely. .To apply the Humidograph fill a bottle with 
rain water and place the HUMIDOGRAPH in a place 
where it is desired to learn the humidity and temperature. 
As the place contains 100' , humidity, both of the ther- 
mometers will register the same, and any percentages 
below this will be shown as a difference between the 
readings of the thermometers. 

When the difference between the two thermometers is 
learned, refer to the table and see column of differences 
which runs from zero to sixty, inclusive. (See page 59j. 
For example, if the wet bulb registers 140 deg. and the dry 
bulb 180 deg. there is a difference of 40 degrees. Look 
down the column of differences and find forty, and to the 
right of 40 you will find 33' , (under 180), which indicates 
that there is 33', of humidity. By this means any ', of 
humidity may be ascertained. 

It is very essential, in operating this instrument, to 
keep a clean wick, and to use clean water — otherwise you 
will get imperfect readings. 

HUMIDITY TABLE. The following table will give 
a fair idea of temperatures and humidities that work out 

57 



the best average results in drying by the vapor process. 

Green or Loading End 
Temperature Humidity 

120 deg 35/^ 

130 deg 90 

140 deg 95 

150 deg 100 

160 deg 100 



Dry or Unloading End 
Temperature Humidity 

140 deg 30' < 

150 deg 35 

160 deg 35 

170 deg 40 

180 deg 40 

High temperature and high humidity produce quick 
drying, i. e., 160 deg., 100', loading end, 180 deg., 35 to 
40 ■/ unloading end. 

The following table shows the number of grains of 
moisture that can be carried by one cubic foot of air at 
the different degrees of temperature, (atmosphere at a 
temperature of 80 deg. normal condition 50', carries 
about 5 grains of moisture to the cubic foot.) and the 
number of times greater power to dry than the atmos- 
phere : 



140 deg. car 
150 deg. car 
160 deg. car 
170 deg. car 
180 deg. car 



s 57 gr. 30 'v hum. car's l7-]-or 40 more gr.= 8 times force 
s 72 gr. 30'/c hum. car's 21--or 51 more gr. =10 times force 
s 90 gr. 30% hum. car's 27--or 51 more gr. =12 times force 
s 112 gr. 35% hum. car's 39-i-or 73 more gr. =14 times force 
s 139 gr. 40% hum. car's 55-hor 83 more gr.=15 times force 



Showing that the humidity on drying lumber can be 
carried to 50', at 140 deg. and 80', at 180 deg. and still 
have five times greater power than the atmosphere under 
its best possible conditions. 



68 



TIMF. TABLE FOR 


Estimated pro^bable time 
for drying -1" stockfrom 


Weigh 
M, fe 


t per 
et . 


3n^oa. to 12 m.os. on sti 


GKS , 


f 


bv the G .R'.V .W. Process 


DA^. 


GREEN 


DRY 


ASH (Black) 


3-4 


4,5 00 


5,250 


ASH (White) 


5-'^ 


4,000 


3,000 


BASSVvOOD 


3-4 


4:. 000 


a, 4:00 


BEECH 


8-9 


6 , 00.0 


4,000 


RTRCH 


S-8 


D ,500 


4.000 


BUTTERNUT 


3-4 


4,000 


2, 500 


CEDAR 








6HERRY 


5-Y 


5, GOO 


3,800 


6HESTKUT 


5-nf 


0, ooo 


2, aoo 


CYPRESS 


4-G 


5, 000 


3»0oc 


COTTONWOOD 


4-5 


4,000 


^,800 


ELM (Soft) 


4-5 


4, 500 


^,000 


EUA (Rock) 


6-7 


D, 500 


4,000 


FIR 








GUM (White) 




4, 050 


2, 3X0 


GUM (Red) 


j)6 


D o500 


3, 300 


HEMLOCK 








HICKORY (CutloSq Dim.) 


€.-5 


G, 000 


4.500 


MAHOGANY 


5-6 


^, 500 


3,500 


MAHOGANY (African) 








MAPLE 


5-1 


5,500 


4, OCX) 


MAPLE (White) 


5-1 


0,500 


4, 000 


OAK (Plain) 


6-9 


5,500 


4, 000 


OAK (Quartered) 


G-r 


5 ,^00 


4,00c 


PINE 








PINE V/hite Norway 






. 


PINE Lon^ Leaf 


5-4 


4,2)00 


3^2.00 


PINE Short Leaf 








PINE Su^ar 








POPLAR 


0-7 


2),800 


£.800 


SPRUCE 








SYCAMORE 




4^7 50 


3.0 00 


VERMILLION 


10-12 


4 ,800 




WALNUT 




4;800 


3,60O 


VJHITEWOOD 


5-7 


3,800 


2,800 


We'desire to fill in the remainder 
comes to hand. 



DRYING LUMBER 






Time of drying 3 mos.on Time of 
12rao. stock by sticks drying green 
our patrons r \ from saw 


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These cuts show conditions often found in Lumber as it comes from the lumber yard 




The above cut shows a section taken from a table top 
in which a piece of air dried white oak was placed be- 
tween two pieces of properly kiln dried white oak, all 1^" 
thick, faced on both sides with ,',/' basswood, veneered 
and mahogany faced. The shrinkage shown in the cen- 
ter was the result of about ten months exposure to the at- 
mosphere in a closed room, showing, conclusively, that 
properly kiln dried lumber retains its exact proportions 
under all conditions, v/hile air dried or improperly kiln 
dried lumber is not at rest, but is continually changing 
its form and proportions. This center piece would have 
been as thick as the edge pieces had it been through the 
vapor process. 




2 inch Quartered Oak 



T^TW^^nn'm 



U 



2 inch Plain Oak 
63 




h u 



o a 



£ ^ 



^\w» Oovn\ IPxauf «Tn 

Si^ 1. '^*yiv»**'citm wKitt KawsxiK o»K»tv \«.XTiVi«r \B mot drjg 
rnouAV, J|etvc« Wv* ioxtvt is VroVen ■['roY»\ itoS vrvcKes at «acK 
end. J^nda' Vawe sHrunK.. 



xiph. ^KottiS Sij^at ttJ0u.l4 b* VvVei^ "Co Vxaupen, and does 
■TrKi uenV\p VapuevL »nd vt \« sut)^o0«d ^'hat the \um\>»v \s V\ot 
dro e-nou-qn , «nd ■il >« ^vv(.i\ «r».otV\e« warnwaqun \rv.t\\e Vlttv , 
iwHereas tK# r«o1 d\ffvcu\tia ■iv; tV.« lumber is ^3o i>efy Arp ^Ka\ 
it it; abfco-rVxTi^ nVthe moVstMrs "fronrv U\e- a\r and expaxxAxna 
uiUk tfetnsindo'Msf or ce , so mvccVi bo, IKat if a ^ lenytK of 
rtraitv tfe-re cut off ?»C*'OSe t'hxc'board ^3o^■H■ " ■jVovrv "tVie. ewd_, 
xt 'OlouVct \TrvTY\^<i».>te\E j uiTvp ou.t beuoMd t\\e wvdtK f\»0\t\ t»3l\«rv«» 

vl was c^t— ty^ vj— . IJIotxce the. Voard spUts tlwoualx fhe- 
joint wVivX* fh.* ends r e-iT\a\tv ^X-ued, or tKere i.s « "bveaX, x-n 
\'Ke ssoKd "board ne-avXp \Vb lex^atla. ^\\ov»\x\Q nf eaY 
Aanoev \rt ovkt Aic»\x\a — - Potv't "do— \^ . 



rig.i 




<Hed 



65 



RECORDING THERMOMETER 

The Recorder notes upon its dial the slightest change 
in temperature. These dials are arranged for making a 
run for 7 days to the full circuit of the dial, and are de- 
signed to be changed weekly, making a continuous read- 
ing. These records are valuable as sentinels guarding 
the interests of the manufacturer, day and night. 

The Weather Bureau, in forecasting the weather, em- 
ploys certain instruments for specific purposes, among 
which are the recording thermometer, Humidograph, 
Hygrodeik, Anemometer and Barometer. 




66 



The Recording Thermometer records the changes in 
the temperature. The Humidograph has a dry bulb which 
registers the highest degree of temperature, and a wet 
bulb registering a different reading indicating the humid- 
ity in the atmosphere. (See Humidograph. page 57). The 
Hygrodeik indicates the highest degree of temperature, 
and the wet bulb registers the difference in degrees — this 
difference is readily reduced to percentage. (See Hygro- 
deik, page 55). 




The Anemometer denotes the velocity of the air or wind 
currents in feet per minute or miles per hour, thus indi- 
cating pressure in pounds per square foot. 




68 



The Barometer indicates the atmospheric pressure 
produced by conflicting or opposing currents of air, 
and is not apparent to the sense of sight or touch, but is 
observed by the action of the pointer as it traverses the 
scale, indicating inches of pressure. It seldom remains 
at rest more than a few hours at a time, thus showing the 
great need of a reserve of power on a ventilating system 
in order to produce uniform results. With these facts 
and instruments in mind, it will be apparent that these 
same instruments are equally indispensable to the suc- 
cessful operating of a Dry Kiln. 

The cut below represents a pair of balance scales used 
for weighing the test pieces, which is particularly nice in 
the adjustment of the weight along the bar, weighing to 
the one-tenth of a gram, doing away with exceedingly 
small weights, and is a great relief to the operator, while 
engaged in working out the percentages by weight. 

This cut also shows a 2" boxwood rule with celluloid 
facing with rulings of tenths and fiftieths to the inch. 
These celluloid facings are set upon the angular edges of 
the rule, making it possible to get very close readings 
for working out the percentages of shrinkage. 




. Jltf LWo l,l.;;wOa vJ»J 



pxcces oi tne same plank dried under diil'erent processes. 
JNJotice the dimensions. 

69 



Oattt- 

From 



Mtnugt ; SuptrinlcndenI - 

Describe aa thU theel the dcw dry kill yoa detire, or your kiln to be remodeled to improTe iti ootpat, fillin g in 
repUe> to tbe foUowiog tut of queitioiu, ANSWERING THEM CORREaLY AND FULLY. 

aVE NUMBER AND SIZE OF KJLNS TO BE BUILT OR REMODELED. 

1 No Length ft iniide of end walk Width ... h. between walli. Height ft. from top of rail to ceilil( 

2 No •' ■• 

3 No. •• . ' •• •• ■• " ■* 

4 Wlul i> name of kilo ; When buill : Who inrtalled il 

5 l> loading end North ; Eait ; Soudi ; ot WeH :.... 

_ 6 What il louodabco owtaial ; How thick ; Depth below railline 

9 J 7 I, building briik : WalU tolid oc hollow ; If walls have Sue. in thero 

8 U buildine cemeol : Walls lolid, hollow oi blocb : sketch same on back of this iheel 

D J 9 Is building wood ; Size of studs ; C. loC ; Lining ; Siding 

1 Stoiies high If mofe than one describe fully 

1 1 Is ceiling wood : No. of layers ; Thickness ; Condition , . 

12 Is roof coocrete ; How thick : How buill and covered , 

t 3 Are doors wood ; How hung Opeiung, Up or Sideways * 

1 4 Are doors canvas ; Weight per yard : Single or double 

(I 5 How many loaded cars can stand at loading end ; Unloading end 
i 6 Is there a transfer track at loading end ; Unloadicg end 

^ ] I 7 How many cars does kiln hold ; How loog are bunks ; Whose make 

' 1 8 How much lumber oo each car ; Height of load from track to top of load ; Wide 

1 9 How many cars do you dry daily ; How many do you want to dry 

20 Docs lumber enter kiln aosapiled ; or endwise ; No. stickers used 

2 I When kilo u full, how much space hom end cars to doors ; Between cars to adewalls 

I 22 Give AMOUNT OF EACH KIND OF LUMBER you wish to dry daily 



I 23 Give thickness of the abo 



'^ 24 How Icng air dried Or fresh from. saw ; What is the longest length 

! [ 25 What ar; the rail supports, piers or posts ; What distance from Center to C. : Height ... 

!< I 26 How many rails : Weight per yard . . . . ; What distance from Center to C Grade oi track m 10 ft 

. I 2 7 Distance bottom of rail to bottom of kiln at loading end : Unloading end 

y 28 Distance bottom of rail to top of coil : Distance from coil to sidewalls 

129 Distance from header to wall at loading end ; Distance from end cl coil to wall at unloadmg end • 

J )30 GIVE NUMBER of PIPES IN COIL : SIZE ; LENGTH : Toul lineal ft 

I 3 1 Are headers cast or pipe Diameter ; Length : Horizontal or verbcal 

[ 32 Are headers lor 1-2-3 or 4 layers of pipe ; Distance Center to Center of pipe m headers 

\ 33 Are holes in dnp header threaded left hand ; Or unions in coil Where located 

/ 34 Size of supply pipe at header ; Size of drip mains from headers ... 

1 I 35 Do you use exhaust steam . ; What back pressure ; Uve steam. ; Pressure 

1 1 36 Give size of exhaust pipe ; Distance engine to kiln : Size live steam pipe 

»- I 37 Give temperature now ca.neJ loading end ; Unloading end 

• < 38 Have you a recording thermometer ; What make ; Pressure regulator ; What make 

K j 39 Size engine cylinder ; Rev. per minute ; Point of cut-oS : H. P 

■^MO Size and H. P of boilers ; Pressure carried ; Fuel used 

a 4 I What boiler compound used ; What feed water heater ; Open or closed 

42 Does all exhaust pass ihrougli heater before going to kiln ; If not, what portico does 

I*'. 3 Name of vacuum system ■ : Size of pump ; Name ; Vacuum carried 
44 Do dr IS return to a branch tee header at the pump ; If rot, how connected 
45 Do any bve steam drips return direct to pump ; Or through trap to pump 
46 Does your factory require the greater pirt of your exhaust during winter monlfis ; iGivc proportion 

2 J 47 Number o( traps now used on your kilns ; Capaaty : Name 

'^ [ 40 How high are Itiln dnps above pump or trap: : or how far below 

\ 49 If oo vacuum system, how aie dnps provided for 

50 

PENCIL on outline PLAN of Kihi and Buildings adjoining or near by, approximate distance between and height or number oi 
stones high of these surrounding buildings on BACK of this sh-et. Scale is not necessary, but dimensions and distances are. 

If you have drawings of kf1n, send thrm to us and we will return them promptly. If you have no plans, send us a tketch showing 
plan, end and side elevations, coils and location o' mains and dnps. Tlui will enable us to maU accurate drawings of yoar kiln and 
estimates on the cost of the equipment. 

Give Us Plain Answers to All QuzUions, Written in Ink. 



SlKn?lu:e, - 

70 




Plate VII 

The kiln represented above dries Ya," Poplar Veneers, 
direct from the log, edge piled in finger racks, as indicated 
using 15 pounds pressure of live steam from 6:00 P. M. 
to 5 :00 A. M., the spray being used heavy for the first 
two hours only, with the coil on and dampers closed. At 
this point, open the bottom dampers half way until 5 :00 
o'clock in the morning, then shut the steam off from the 
coil, but allow it to remain on the stack equalizer at the 
same time open the dampers in the top flues so as to draw 
off the humidity from the top of the kiln — thus removing 
the surface moisture and allowing the veneers to cool 
down before exposing them to the atmosphere. 

71 







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ProKressive Kiln Plate IX 



tiW fiHWI'TlH 




Plate X 



mu U JLMBtMt^l 



I, V'tJga^g 




trCADINfr EMnaecTicN 



BOX KILN 



W*R 'V 'WTO 



-l- 



36 91 






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HECKMAN 

BINDERY INC. 

# DEC 90 
N. MANCHESTER, 
INDIANA 46962 







